Promise to Return A Novel (Part of Promise of Sunrise) By Elizabeth Byler Younts

About Book

When World War II breaks out, Miriam Coblentz’s peaceful Amish world is turned upside down... 

It’s 1943, and Miriam Coblentz and Henry Mast are nearing their wed­ding day when the unthinkable happens—Henry is drafted. However, since he is a part of the pacifist Amish tradition, Henry is sent to a conscientious objector Civilian Public Service camp. When he leaves for the work camp, his gaping absence turns Miriam’s life upside down. Little does she know it’s only the beginning... When Henry returns home, he brings news that shakes Miriam and their Amish community to the core. Henry believes God has called him to enlist in the army and fight for his country, leaving her to make an impor­tant decision: whether to choose loyalty to the peaceful life she’s always known or her love for Henry. Two worlds collide in this unforgettable debut novel, providing a fasci­nating and rare look into Amish culture during World War II. While Henry is battling enemies across the ocean, Miriam struggles between her devotion to Henry and her love of the Amish way of life. One question is at the bottom of it all: will she follow the rules of her religion or the leading of her heart?  

See more at: http://books.simonandschuster.com/Promise-to-Return/Elizabeth-Byler-Younts/Promise-of-Sunrise/9781476735016#sthash.XkC78CLI.dpuf

 Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CBD


About Author

Elizabeth Byler Younts is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers. She is an Air Force officer’s wife and a homeschooling mom with two young daughters. She makes her home wherever her family is stationed. Elizabeth was Amish as a child and after her parents left the church she still grew up among her Amish family and continues to speak Pennsylvania Dutch.

Where to find Elizabeth:
Website: http://elizabethbyleryounts.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorElizabethBylerYounts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElizabethYounts
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/ElizabethYounts/

My Thoughts

Miriam Coblentz can't seem to stop thinking about her intended Henry Mast.  Henry has been drafted into the military and sent to a camp for conscientious objectors.  The Amish have always been pacifist.  When he returns home Miriam is shocked to find out he has decide to leave the camp and join the military and the war.  He feels as if God has called him to fight  in World War II.  Miriam can not turn her back on her family and most importantly the her Amish beliefs.  Will she turn her back on Henry the man she loves?

I have read many Amish books but this is the first where I get a better look at the Pacifist side during World War II.  To me it is apparent men are bred to defend their families and country.  Yet I understand the Amish's belief and the pacifist.  Women want to nurture and prevent harm coming to anyone.  But in times of war we have no choice but to defend.  The author has done a wonderful job in depicting the Amish stand of remaining pacifist.  

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Howard Publishing/Simon & Schuster for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  This review is my honest opinion.

The Traitor's Wife, The Woman Behind Benedict Arnold and The Plan To Betray America by Allison Pataki

About Book:

A riveting historical novel about Peggy Shippen Arnold, the cunning wife of Benedict Arnold and mastermind behind America’s most infamous act of treason . . . 

Everyone knows Benedict Arnold—the Revolutionary War general who betrayed America and fled to the British—as history’s most notorious turncoat. Many know Arnold’s co-conspirator, Major John André, who was apprehended with Arnold’s documents in his boots and hanged at the orders of General George Washington. But few know of the integral third character in the plot: a charming young woman who not only contributed to the betrayal but orchestrated it. 

Socialite Peggy Shippen is half Benedict Arnold’s age when she seduces the war hero during his stint as military commander of Philadelphia. Blinded by his young bride’s beauty and wit, Arnold does not realize that she harbors a secret: loyalty to the British. Nor does he know that she hides a past romance with the handsome British spy John André. Peggy watches as her husband, crippled from battle wounds and in debt from years of service to the colonies, grows ever more disillusioned with his hero, Washington, and the American cause. Together with her former love and her disaffected husband, Peggy hatches the plot to deliver West Point to the British and, in exchange, win fame and fortune for herself and Arnold. 

Told from the perspective of Peggy’s maid, whose faith in the new nation inspires her to intervene in her mistress’s affairs even when it could cost her everything, The Traitor’s Wife brings these infamous figures to life, illuminating the sordid details and the love triangle that nearly destroyed the American fight for freedom.  

See more at: http://books.simonandschuster.com/Traitors-Wife/Allison-Pataki/9781476738604#sthash.wdVDdaoB.dpuf

Meet Author Allison Pataki

Allison Pataki graduated Cum Laude from Yale University and has spent several years writing for TV and online news outlets, including ABCNews.com and FoxNews.com. The daughter of former New YorkThe Traitor’s Wife based on the rich Revolutionary War history of her hometown in New York State’s Hudson Highlands. The Traitor’s Wife is Allison’s first novel. She lives in Chicago with her husband, David.
State Governor George E. Pataki, Allison was inspired to write 

- See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Allison-Pataki/411626438#sthash.atmdKTLj.dcpuf

My Thoughts
Most of you are familiar with Benedict Arnold from you studies in History class. He is known for being ihe world famous traitor.  But I bet you didn't know that his wife was his ultimate instrument in his downfall. She was much younger than Benedict and very beautiful. She saw him as her way of reaching her ultimate goal  for fame and fortune.   
Peggy Shippen delivers her husband Benedict the plans to secure West Point into the hands of the British betraying America.  All this for her own vanity of fame and fortune.  
Peggy's personal maid has given what she sees as the accounts and events of her mistress's plot to betray America which we know backfired on her and Benedict.  
The book is 464 pages of Peggy's deception, greed and vanity. I had no idea this women even exsisted.   I actually felt sorry for Benedict anyone being taken in by such a she devil. Who knows how his life may have unfolded if he had not fallen into her trap. 
I keep saying in my reviews how I love historical novels. Thanks to authors like Allison Pataki for helping me continue my education in such an enjoyable way.  The author has also provided a reading group guide with topics and questions for discussions.  Also a conversation with Allison Patiaki  of questions and answers along with a way to enhance your book  club.
I highly recommend this book.
I rated this book a +5 out of 5.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Howard Books/Simon & Schuster